transmitter Waterloo

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The Waterloo Emitter is a simple, low cost device designed for the controlled and uniform release of oxygen, or other bioenhancing amendments, to encourage and sustain the growth of microorganisms required for in-situ bioremediation of contaminated groundwater.

The patented technology* enables steady, direct diffusion of oxygen into an aquifer through pressurized silicone or LDPE tubing. Continuous, consistent release of oxygen into the tubing creates the ideal concentration gradient driving this passive system, without ‘bubbling off’ excess oxygen.

Emitters are ideal for the bioremediation of BTEX and MTBE using oxygen. The diffusive process provides immediate bioavailability of molecular oxygen for aerobic biodegradation enhancement, therefore no loss of the amendment gas occurs. The Waterloo Emitter can also encourage desirable abiotic reactions (pH adjustment, hydrolysis, etc.).

Simple Versatile System

Waterloo Emitters are available to fit 2", 4" and 6" (50 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm) wells. They can be installed in open wells, or they can be permanently installed with sand packs in boreholes or trenches. The 51" (130 cm) long Waterloo Emitters can be installed individually or stacked one on top of another, to ensure full coverage of the contaminant plume. They are also effective in horizontal applications.

Because there is no minimum hydraulic head required, the Emitters are effective at any depth below water. When used in conjunction with packers and/or circulating pumps, the radius of influence is increased.

The Waterloo Emitter’s unique diffusive technology allows for the use of almost any chemical as an amendment to treat contaminated groundwater. The PVC frame accommodates the insertion of monitoring or sampling devices for observing groundwater conditions during the remediation process.

Operating Principles

The Waterloo Emitter consists of silicone or polyethylene tubing coiled around a PVC frame. When a fluid is introduced into the tubing a concentration gradient is created between the inside of the tubing and the groundwater.

The Emitter works in accordance with Fick’s Law, whereby diffusion will occur until there is equilibration in chemical concentration inside and outside of the tubing. With the Emitter technology, the oxygen (or other amendment) is replenished continuously, and as groundwater continues to flow around the Emitter, equilibration never occurs. This results in continuous diffusion from the Emitter into the groundwater.

When a gas is applied to the Emitter there is a direct correlation between an increase in applied pressure and an increase in the amount of gas that will diffuse into the groundwater, however, diffusion is the only mechanism that allows the amendment to be added to the groundwater.

Applications

Oxygen release for aerobic bioremediation of

BTEX and MTBE

Hydrogen release for anaerobic reductive dechlorination of solvents

Introduction of dissolved SF6, argon, etc. for use as tracers

Release of CO2 for pH adjustment

Light alkane release to promote co-metabolic biodegradation of MTBE

Plume migration barrier, primary remediation device, or polishing

Advantages

Low cost

Steady release for constant microbial activity

Easy installation and removal

Minimal maintenance and operating effort

No amendment loss due to ‘bubbling’

No hazardous substances introduced or produced

No slurry to mix, handle or inject

No electricity required

Installation

If an enhancement gas is to be used for remediation, a small to medium sized gas cylinder can be used. Emitter tubing is selected and pressure is set according to the amount of enhancement gas required. A single gas cylinder can be used to supply multiple Emitters connected in series.

Replenishment of the gas inside the Emitter tubing can be accommodated by periodic purging (weekly/bi-weekly), or a needle bleed valve can be used at the end of the system to allow slow, constant replenishment to occur.

1.Target
Use a Drive-Point Profiler to determine the most effective areas for enhanced remediation using the Emitter by mapping/delineating the contaminant plume.
2. Quantify
- Use Multilevel Systems to accurately delineate extent and movement of contaminants
- Focus remediation strategies more precisely using discrete monitoring systems
- Monitor remediation efforts
3. Resolve
Use Waterloo Emitters for the controlled release of oxygen (or other amendments) for contaminated groundwater bioremediation - without bubbling